Ronald James Johnson, Sr.

It is with heavy hearts and sense of great loss that we announce the passing of Ronald James Johnson Sr. born on December 2, 1939 and died on February 19, 2023 at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston Salem NC.  He was surrounded by his wife Janet and sons Gary and Ronnie Johnson Jr at the time of his passing. In his true nature he fought valiantly until the end to ensure that his family was provided for and at peace.

Ronald James Johnson Sr was born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania to Kathryn and Walter Johnson on December 2, 1939. He attended and graduated from Foster Township High school in Freeland, Pennsylvania. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard and was trained and served as a Military Police Officer. He was called to Active Duty Army during the early 1960’s and without regret left his home was station at various military installations within the United States.

He will always be remembered as a doting father and loving husband with a selfless nature putting his family and friends first.  He enjoyed many simple pleasures such as bowling. Bowling held a special place in his life.  Ron was an avid bowler and participated in many leagues and that is how he met his wife, Janet.  His enthusiasm related to bowling caused him to become a coach of the local youth bowling league in his hometown.  Over the years he coached many local and state champions

Ron enjoyed being engaged in local youth activities such as Christian Youth Organization basketball, little league, midget and high school football.  He was often a spectator of local sporting events even if his children were not participating in that event. It will be remembered that he never once missed a sporting event that involved his children.

He was an avid professional sports fan and truly loved his Philadelphia Eagles and the Phillies. He can be remembered being totally engaged in the game whether on television or the radio.  He could recite the box score or statistics with such ease that I’m sure it would make even the most popular sports reporters envious.

Another simple pleasure of his was watching any movie, television show or documentary regarding the military. John Wayne by far was his favorite actor when it came to military or cowboy movies. He could be found on many days just simply enjoying a good movie and enjoying the company of his sons.  His two most favorite shows were “The Black Sheep Squadron” and “M.A.S.H”.  He knew these shows so well that he knew every nuance and scene by heart.

As an active member of the Disabled Veterans of America he has involved in multiple ceremonies and activities that supported local veterans and their loved ones. He often was involved in the Honor Detachment which honored fallen soldiers. The Legion was another one of his most loved social groups.  He was highly involved in his local chapter and would attend meetings and social activities to facilitate growth of the chapter and provided assistance to it’s members to the best of his ability.

Often Ron could be found enjoying as simple cup of coffee at the Wooden Nickel or Woodies Diner where he met with his friends. He was often the focus of conversation, especially when sports were the main topic. His laugh and smile would permeate the room and would invite many others to become engaged in the festivities.

Ronald James Johnson Sr. will always be remembered by his family as a selfless person that always put himself second to ensure the prosperity of his family.  A loving man who took great pleasure mentoring his children and providing a positive role model regarding family and social responsibility. Most honorably he never missed an event in our lives in which we were honored or recognized. He accepted us as his most cherished assets whether we were at our best or worst. He will be forever in our hearts and loved unconditionally.  He was not only the leader of the family, but our best friend, teacher, husband to our mother and father to his children who will be greatly and forever missed in our lives.

Ronald James Johnson Sr. is survived by his wife Janet Patrick Johnson of Kernersville North Carolina, son Gary Patrick Johnson of Kernersville North Carolina, son Ronald James Johnson Jr of Cross Lanes, West Virginia, grandson Ryan James Johnson of Cross Lanes, West Virginia, granddaughter Meghan Marie Johnson of Phenix City, Alabama and his brothers Robert "Bobbie” and William “Billy” Johnson.

A graveside service for Ron will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, April 14, 2023, at Salisbury National Cemetery with Pastor Francis Smith officiating. Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family.